Participant 2

Guiding Questions:

What are your initial thoughts about the concept of Literacy with ICT (LwICT)?
I understand the importance of exposing students to various forms of technology with the purpose of enhancing overall learning. Initially I was somewhat skeptical on how this was to be layed out for schools. I like how the LwICT is organized in a continum that fits in nicely with numerous subject areas and grades.
It is important that we also teach our students where technology fits in to an overall active healthy lifestyle. Many students rely solely on technology for their recreational needs and this has potentially negative results. We need to teach our students about the healthy balance between the sedentary aspects of our lives, and the physically active components. We need to be aware of all the time students spend sitting, hunched over computers. Using ICT to increase students activity levels is an exciting area to discover.
What implementation barriers for LwICT do you foresee at Senior Years?
Getting all teachers on board as to how LwICT should be delivered in schools. I can forsee some teachers not having the technological background to grab this idea and run with it. Access to technology, and funding could also stall this in some situations.
What opportunities does LwICT present for Senior Years?
The opportunities are limitless at the high school level. Students are more independent, and willing to take risks at these ages. They have the technological skills needed to produce quality work. Many students would relish the opportunity to include more ICT in their course work.
What professional learning is required initially to prepare Senior Years teachers to begin to use the LwICT continuum?
Something similiar to what we have been going through today. An overview of the basis behind this initiative, why it is important, and what we as teachers can do to improve our student literacy with ICT.
What types of ICT do you currently have in your Senior Years classroom?
TV/DVD, access to laptop with projector.
What types of ICT are available to you in your school, but not in your classroom?
Computer lab, laptop cart with projector, pedometers, digital cameras, printers, scanners, wireless network.
What subjects and grades do you teach and how do you currently use ICT to enhance student learning?
K-12 Physical/Health Education (multi-grade), Grade 11/12 Biology
General office tools (word, pp) to produce work in class, internet for research, physical activity blog for students to track their activity levels over time, multimedia presentations(dvd/videos), inspiration for maps, HR monitors(rarely).